Waterfalls

As one of the most beautiful countries that you could ever see, Vietnam has a lot to offer the eager traveller. Mother nature has been kind to this land, blessing it with some of the most stunning landscapes you could ever imagine. Unfortunately, many travellers overlook Vietnam in favour of other more popular Asian destinations, such as China or Japan.

Ignoring the opportunity to visit Vietnam is a huge mistake. The country has survived many hardships over the years and because of this has a rich history and culture that is begging to be discovered and shared by visitors to the land.

Apart from the compelling history and culture, the natural beauty of Vietnam is reason enough to visit. Captivating, divine and inspiring, the landscapes are diverse and plentiful and offer a perfect destination for outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling or trekking.

With an abundance of natural beauty to see, the difficult task is trying to see it all, or even knowing where to start. We have done the research (and the leg work) and have managed to compile a list of the top 10 places to see in Vietnam.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Located between Ninh Binh and Hoa Binh, the park is the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam. When visiting Cuc Phuong National Park you will be guaranteed extraordinary views of lush green mountains and forests and will witness a variety of rare and endangered wildlife. If outdoor activities interest you the opportunity to trek and explore popular trails of the park will no doubt appeal to you.

Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake, the biggest natural lake in Vietnam, is located in the Ba Be National Park, home to an extensive range of flora and fauna including the endangered Tokinese ‘snub nosed’ monkey. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat tour in the calm waters of the lake, offering perfect opportunities to take photos of the stunning scenery.

Cao Bang

Located in Northern Vietnam, the province of Cao Bang is unbelievably stunning. Head out of the city of Cao Bang to witness and capture the remarkable and exquisite beauty of the area. Waterfalls, rice fields, lakes and mountains all combine to make an extraordinary visual delicacy for visitors that will renew their zest for life and exhilarate their soul.

Ha Long Bay

One of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay (also known as the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’) is located in north eastern Vietnam and is recognised as a World Heritage site. Featuring a series of limestone karsts and caves amongst the amazing contrast of emerald green water, visitors to the area will no doubt have many photo opportunities. Boat tours, kayaking, hiking and volleyball are only a handful of activities, out of the plethora, that travellers can partake in.

Sa Pa

A famous frontier land and home to some of the friendliest people you could ever meet, Sa Pa oozes with regal beauty. Located in northern Vietnam, Sa Pa features breathtaking mountain landscapes that roll above the lush green rice terraces that sprawl across the land. A curtain of mist blankets the top of the mountains and offers perfect opportunities for the budding photographer to get a few good shots of this natural wonderland.

Can Gio

The Can Gio district is definitely a must see area where you will be able to feast your eyes upon nature at its best! As it remains fairly untouched by developers, it is a nice relaxing place to visit if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. While in Can Gio visit the mangrove forest and the museum to see a range of flora and fauna, including its cheeky occupants- the long-tailed masquades. The museum has many exhibits on display including a section dedicated to its local war history.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is the largest island paradise of Vietnam, and is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Featuring lush green mountains, welcoming white sand and the allure of crystal clear water, it’s no wonder that Phu Quoc is one of the main tourist attractions- it’s truly magnificent! During your stay enjoy kayaking, cycling, scuba diving, motor biking or simply sit back a soak up some rays while enjoying a tasty seafood banquet.

Cat Tien National Park

This huge national park plays an extremely important role in protecting one of Vietnam’s greatest areas of lowland tropical rainforests still in existence. Combining several different landscapes the park has a lot to offer visitors who wish to revel in natures wonder, offering an exquisite smorgasbord of flora and fauna to see, experience and capture on film.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Recognised as a world heritage site, the national park was established as a way to help protect two expansive regions that is home to a unique karst landscape with over 300 caves and grottoes. Over 90% of the park is blanketed by tropical rainforest and therefore it’s restoration and protection is imperative to the survival of many flora and fauna species, including the Asian elephant, the Sao la and endangered tigers.

Pu Luong

Pu Luong is rich in its natural beauty, however the people of the area are quite poor and are slowly welcoming eco-tourism with caution, so as not to lose the essence and traditions of their land. While visiting Pu Luong you will marvel at its limestone backdrops, flourishing green forests, rice terraces, and magnificent streams. Enjoy trekking and cycling or sit back and enjoy a drive or boat ride to see the area. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including the endangered, and eye catching, Delacour’s langurs who you will see confidently swinging amongst the limestone backdrops of this beautiful region.

If you are serious about getting the most from your journey to Vietnam, you need to explore and enjoy all aspects of the land including its abundance in natural beauty.